Sonus Bathrooms has announced it has become the new official sponsor of Football Transplant Team Ireland (STTI), helping the team spotlight remarkable individuals who “highlight the power of organ donation”.
Every player on the team has had some sort of transplant, from hearts, double lungs, livers, kidneys and bone marrow, and yet they have been able to continue playing their sporting careers.
“We are a diverse group brought together by the gift of organ donation,” said team captain and heart transplant recipient John Brennan.
“Representing your country provides great motivation to those waiting for organ transplants to stay healthy, brings joy to those who spent their childhoods in and out of hospitals and were deprived of the opportunity to participate in childhood sports, and provides a framework of great support, training and brotherhood for us all.”
Last month the FAI announced it could not sponsor STTI because it already backs too many teams, a decision that means the team cannot wear the official Ireland kit in international football competitions.
However, initial difficulties in finding sponsorship did not prevent the team from performing well on the pitch, finishing as runners-up in the inaugural Football Transplant Tournament in Solihull, Birmingham, organised by Transplant Sport UK.
The team are now aiming to represent Ireland at the British Transplant Games in Coventry in July, and are also looking ahead to the World Transplant Games in Italy in March 2024.
Mr Brennan said: “Our stories are different but we all share a common bond: overcoming obstacles. Team Ireland showcases organ donation and transplant success stories as well as providing inspiration to new transplant recipients and those newly diagnosed with organ failure.”
“We are hopeful that once 12 months have passed since their transplant we will have players considering joining the team. All levels of fitness are welcome, even if they are only fit enough to play a few minutes on the pitch – that's a credit to them.”
Sonus CEO Richard Sloan said his company decided to sponsor the team after Stafford's brother became involved with the team.
“We didn't think anything of it,” Sloan said, “The Transplant Games show us what the gift of organ donation can do. These athletes are living examples of the generosity of others.”
“For Sonas, it is a true honour to support the bravery of these extraordinary men and the incredible families who have supported both their own families and the families of their organ donors.”
He said the company was “inspired by its team” and would now look to use its employees and its wide network of bathroom retailers, builders, plumbers and shops to “spread the important message of the importance of organ donation”.
STTI urges people to discuss organ donation with their loved ones and to consider carrying either a pocket-sized organ donation card or the digital card available on the Digital Organ Donation Card app.
